European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry

Book Reviews

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Cover Date

June 2008

Print ISSN

0965-7452

Vol

16

Issue

2

Abstract

Implant Restorations: A step by step guide. Editor: David Bartlett. ISBN: 978-1-85097-078-1. Quintessence Publishing. Hardback. 170 pages. £28.00
Carl Drago introduces his book with a statement of its purpose: to provide a step by step guide for clinicians and technicians treating edentulous and partially dentate patients using implants. The emphasis of the book is on the planning, placement and restoration phases of implant dentistry and focuses upon the use of a single implant system to illustrate examples of the different stages involved. The text is heavily supported with good clinical photography and figures that add to the overall understanding of the underlying principles described. The opening three chapters set the scene with respect to: the concept of initial planning and determination of prognosis for the dentition; the generic make up of an implant system; and definitive diagnosis and treatment planning of implant cases. There are many clinical examples used to illustrate the areas requiring consideration at this very important stage, with good examples of problems encountered and potential solutions. The concept of implant loading protocols are introduced and the associated limitations discussed. The following six chapters are laid out as a step by step guide to solving different clinical situations illustrated by a single case study. The following treatments are presented: restoration of an edentulous mandible using an implant retained overdenture; restoration of a partially edentate mandible with standard prefabricated abutments and single unit crowns; retreatment of a failed implant retained fixed partial denture using custom abutments; restoration of an edentate mandible using custom machined frameworks for hybrid bridges; restoration of an edentate mandible using an immediate loading protocol; immediate and definitive restoration of a missing maxillary central incisor. The examples provide an illustration of many generic stages of treatment that may be applied to a wide range of clinical situations. A final short chapter then considers a number of the surgical issues surrounding implant treatment and the relationship to hard and soft tissue integration. This text provides a very practically orientated review of managing patients using implants with clinical examples to guide both the clinician and technician through the multiple stages involved. There is a bias towards the use of a single implant system and in sections the book can look like a manual, with large areas of text devoted to product codes. There is therefore a risk that the text may not transfer to all systems easily, and therefore confuse those using alternative products. This situation may be compounded further by the continuing development of implant systems and alteration product coding. There are references to relevant key publications and will help the reader to identify the evidence base surrounding implantology. The overall design and writing of this text provide an easy to digest guide that will support and educate those who are starting out their implant training and the experienced practitioner alike. Dr Giles McCracken School of Dental Sciences Newcastle University.....